That's weird that my reply went up twice in totally different places. Heh.
Here are some tips that have proven more successful in preventing or fending off an attacker:
1. When jogging, do NOT wear your hair in a ponytail. This is something an attacker can easily grab hold of
2. The idea of having your keys in your hand as your walk to your car is good, but the purpose of such should be so that you don't have to fumble with the lock. Using your keys as a weapon is NOT going to work. Think of how short those keys are...do you really want someone that close to you before you finally respond?
3. Women, your legs are stronger than your arms. If an attacker gets a hold on you, stay low and kick like mad. Almost everyone who counseled me after my assault said the fact that I stayed low and kept kicking is what probably saved my life.
4. Two words. Pepper spray. This saved my friend Lisa's life when she was kidnapped.
5. Don't be a target. This is important for college students. Gals, get a MALE friend to walk you to your car after an evening class. If your campus safety dept. has an escort program, use it.